25Now
there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting
for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It
had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the
Lord's Christ. 27Moved
by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus
to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28Simeon
took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
29"Sovereign
Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your
servant in peace.
30For
my eyes have seen your salvation,
31which
you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32a
light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."
33The
child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34Then
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause
the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35so
that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul
too."
36There
was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very
old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37and
then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She
never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38Coming
up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all
who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
39When
Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to
Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40And
the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon
him.
